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Though not as old in years
as many of the agriculturists of the county who might be mentioned, Mr.
Jones has, nevertheless, risen to a position in material affairs and
acquired an experience wide in extent which justifies prominent mention
in this connection. When only about 13 years old he began his career,
destined to be one of no small proportions. Leaving home at that time
he went on the plains and for a large portion of the time was engaged in
the stock business, obtaining a knowledge and thorough familiarity with
that calling which have proven of still greater value in more recent
years. Mr. Jones’ father, Owen Jones, on leaving Indiana where he had
lived for so many years, settled in Davis county, Ia., engaging in
farming in that locality. A few years later he took up his residence in
Missouri, John then being a small boy. Owen Jones’ wife, Martha Jones,
was the mother of seven children, four boys and three girls, and of
these one boy and all of the girls have passed away. Young John, as
stated, only remained at home until his thirteenth year, when his battle
with the world commenced. His Western experience, however, has been
brought to a close, for in February of the present year he purchased a
valuable farm in this county and is now devoting himself assiduously to
its proper management. He owns 320 acres admirably adapted to stock
raising purposes, and in this industry is meeting with substantial
results. Keeping apace with the times, he is alive to every interest of
the county. Mr. Jones was married June 29, 1871, to Miss Alvira Ridge,
of Kansas, and to them four children have been given: Minnie B., born
August 7, 1872, Fannie, born February 20, 1874; Mattie, born September
20, 1875, and Robert Lee, born February 28, 1877. Mrs. Jones was born
in Buchanan county, Mo., November 15, 1852, and was the daughter of
Branson and Mary Ridge, the former of whom came originally from North
Carolina, though his marriage occurred here. |
